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86: When we were young
April 5th, 20 S.D. 11:08 Capital City, Henron
Range Lead Liveta Henron carefully inspected her dress uniform for any and all perceived imperfections. She would not allow the slightest error to slip through. Tending to her appearance in her office, she stood before a tall mirror. Liveta always carried herself well. Each day she presented herself with the utmost care and grooming. Today, however, required special attention. Every detail of her image needed to be crisp, sharp, and flawless.
Liveta took a step back and turned to the side, looking at her figure. Her hair was put up in a bun, but she wondered if the braids rolled along the sides of her head were too much. Perhaps something plainer? Maybe she shouldn’t have worried and just wore her officer’s hat... A ceremony of this sort did not come by often, but when it did, there was a great deal of fanfare within the military. It was a time when those in her position had to look their best. She understood the excitement surrounding the event, but what with all the pomp, it felt like she were attending some aristocratic wedding or something. Liveta didn’t mind having to go through so much preparation, however, because it was for him...
Satisfied with herself at last, Liveta sighed as she reached for the final piece of her attire: her sword. This particular one often hung on a mount in her quarters, unused, clean, pristine. It served no role in battle, but it would aide her today at any rate. All it had to do was sit by her side for this occasion. As she slid the scabbard into place on her belt, one of her subordinates walked in, a female Field Lead.
“Ver Liveta? It is almost time.”
“Sa,” Liveta said, pulling her white gloves tightly. “What do you think?”
The Field Lead laughed gently. “Range Lead, it is a uniform. There is not much you can do with it. You either wear it or you do not.”
Liveta frowned for a moment, turning back to the mirror. “Maybe I thought too much about this,” she murmured.
“Nonsense,” the Field Lead insisted. “This is just as important for you as it is for him.”
“Sa, as Ver Govan’s friend, of course this is important to me. As his lieutenant, however... Things are going to change after this.”
“Sa, you will now be Core Lead.”
Liveta shook her head. “Ver Govan is being promoted to Prime Lead, but that does not necessarily mean I will assume the spot he occupied as Core Lead.”
“Sa, understood, Core Lead Liveta,” the Field Lead saluted.
“Hey...”
“With all due respect, Ver Liveta, it is essentially a forgone conclusion. It is not your relationship with Ver Govan that qualifies you. You simply are the best soldier to fill that vacancy. You already run this order in some regards.”
“Even so, Field Lead, it is unwise to speak of titles you have yet to earn. If and when the day comes for me to succeed Govan as commanding officer of these forces, we can discuss such matters then.”
“Affirmative, Core Lead Liveta,” said the Field Lead.
They made their way from Liveta’s office to the streets en-route to Heigon’s court. Outside, the city largely gave no signs of the coming celebration. Govan’s rise to Prime Lead was actually of little concern for those unconnected with the state. A new leader for the Henron army hardly meant anything for the average person. Still, the people knew what was going on. They tipped their hats or bowed slightly at those like her, offering a smile and a brief greeting.
After only a short walk, Liveta arrived at the gates. By now, having spent the past several years by Govan’s side, she was as widely recognized as he was. Almost everyone saluted her as she passed. She felt her arm would tire returning the gesture and wondered why the other one couldn’t take on that role. Splitting up with her Field Lead once inside the grand building, Liveta wanted to see Govan before things began. She knew he’d be expecting her as well. She asked several others until she pinpointed his location upstairs on the second floor.
Liveta came to a room, standing in front of a set of double doors. Opening one side, she entered into a large living space. Despite the size of this part of the court, only one other person was in it. Govan gazed out the eastern window, looking across the gardens and into the city. His dress uniform was uniquely decorated with ribbons and various medals. Per tradition, he’d donned a cape that draped over his shoulders. Ever so still, clasping his hands together behind his back, he kept to himself. He knew her footsteps well, so he welcomed her without glancing up.
“There you are, Liveta! How good of you to see me now.”
“Honestly, Ver Govan, I could hardly come here without talking to you in your last moments as Core Lead,” she grinned.
“Still using ‘ver’ to address me? Really? After all of these years, Livi?”
“You are still my superior. And when you become Prime Lead in an hour, there will be no getting around honorifics.”
“Not even between friends?” he laughed, turning around. Liveta folded her arms but smiled all the same.
“In public, no, but I suppose it will do in private.”
“We have a while to ourselves now, you know,” Govan said, stepping towards her.
“How are you feeling about all of this?” she asked. Govan looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully.
“A little bit of anticipation, to be sure, but more than anything, I feel quite humbled. Ver Heigon has entrusted me with one of the greatest duties of this clan. I want to live up to his expectations.”
Liveta laughed as she shook her head slightly. “As if you had not already. Look at you,” she said, waving a hand at all the accolades he wore on his chest. “You are a star soldier. As the Barul Lion, you led the illustrious TRIBLADE into combat. You gained victory after victory as Core Lead of your own order. Now you will ensure the safety of all Henron as Prime Lead.”
“You know it was not just me. We have been working together for all these years. I surely would not be here without you. You have nearly as many awards as I do. Why did you not wear them today?”
“Govan, this is your day, not mine. Besides, my chest is smaller than yours. I run out of room faster than you do.”
Govan laughed aloud for a time. “Very true, Liveta. I see your point. But make no mistake, I still expect to have you by my side, as the Core Lead to occupy my previous station.”
Liveta frowned for a passing instant but wiped her expression away shortly thereafter. “Are you... certain? That I am that qualified?”
“No other senior Range Lead comes close, Liveta. It is pretty obvious to most everyone else. Heigon has already approved the measures. Why do you ask?”
“I just want to be sure I have the merit for such a seat, not simply because of our relationship.”
“Sa,” Govan said, pacing about as he stroked his chin. “Sometimes I worry about that sort of thing myself. You know I have been a favorite of Heigon’s for quite a number of years, ever since I was a teen. I wonder if it does not look bad that I am to have such power given our history. But recently, those ideas do not bother me anymore.”
“Oh? Why not?” Liveta asked, cocking her head to the side. Govan turned to the window again and looked over Capital City.
“When I see them, when I see all of the people of our clan, it reminds me why I chose this path. I wanted to defend our clan. The Central Plains are dangerous lands. They will continue to be so for many, many years. Henron needs those willing to stand up and protect this clan. In my mind, it does not matter what others think. As long as I pursue that goal, nothing else matters.”
“How very noble of you, Govan.”
“Well, that is how I feel,” he grinned, looking over his shoulder at her.
“I was seriously complimenting you,” she said.
“Sa... Regardless, I am not in this because of ambition. I seek neither fame nor fortune for my efforts. The only thing of true importance is guarding Henron.”
“Be careful of your choice of words. What about things like friendship, love, and loyalty?” Liveta asked.
“Come now, you know what I was getting at. I cannot forget about everything else. Forgetting your values, who and what you treasure most, those errors could jeopardize Henron no matter how dedicated a soldier you are. I will not be so single-minded.”
“Just checking,” she grinned back at him.
“I can always count on you to watch out for me, Liveta.”
“It has become something of a full-time job in its own right.”
“Ha ha! Possibly, I will grant you that.” Govan looked back at the window once more and stepped close to it. He peered into the distance, spying a flock of birds moving against the sky. “Liveta, can I ask you something. Not as your commanding officer. Not as a soldier.”
Liveta opened her mouth curiously, blinking twice before answering. “What is it, Govan?”
“I want you to do the things I cannot do. I need you to make the choices I will not be able to make.”
“Govan, I do not understand whatever you mean to say.”
“It means I still need you to watch over me, even when I am Prime Lead. Near supreme control of the army will fall to my hands alone, but I will need other voices there to effectively make decisions. Yours will be one as Core Lead. I know this is a lot to ask, but please acts as my counter, my check, my contrast. You know me better than anyone else. I want to look to you to keep me on track, even if it means saying something I will not like, or doing things I may not agree with. Can you do that for me?”
Liveta bit part of her lip uneasily, however, she sighed a moment later. “Is that all? Govan, you need not even ask. That is why I am your friend. That is something I was supposed to do from the start. Of course I will look after you.”
Govan smiled as he folded his arms again. Liveta came over and joined him as they both viewed the city. “Sa, with the two of us, we will ensure the security of Henron. I have a feeling this is only the start of a long journey. Let us remember the convictions we hold today, so that we may carry them into tomorrow. Things will be different when we begin our new jobs. It will not be like the old guard. Integrity. Faithfulness. Duty. The Ordinal Oath will be our guide. I really want to take the discipline we established in our order and apply it to all Henron forces.”
“Already planning on how to surpass the previous Prime Lead?” Liveta wondered.
“Sa. Prime Lead Dorev’s retirement leaves our military in a mess. They have forgotten why the four orders of Henron were founded in the first place. They have lost sight of the vows they once uttered. Such a state of disarray must be corrected as soon as possible. I will make our brothers and sisters into something to be feared as well as admired.”
“There certainly is a lot of work out there then,” Liveta nodded.
“Indeed. So, tell me, do you think you and I are up for it?”
“Sa.”
Waking up to the sound of echoes, Liveta found her eyes suddenly open. Today was the day. As words from the past floated away, she knew this was the time that fate had decided. She didn’t need intelligence reports from her scouts or an analysis from one of her assistants. Liveta raised herself up and looked around her sparse apartment. In the dim light, she could faintly make out the face of a nearby clock. It was already five in the morning. She threw away the sheets and stood up. After this day, she’d either be dead or he would. In her mind, there was no doubt about it. She knew exactly what the outcomes were.
Liveta wasted no time dressing herself. In a matter of moments, she’d hopped into her uniform and strapped on her boots. For a brief while, she caught herself looking sidelong at her image in the mirror. Turning, Liveta walked closer until she came toe-to-toe with her reflection. How the years had changed her, she thought. Gone were those tireless eyes, the fierce and steadfast gaze of a soldier. Though she remained a fair woman for her age, the determination she’d held in her youth had somehow vanished. When had that happened?
The Core Lead recalled how defeated she’d been in Navaran, how hopeless she had become. Yet Losha’s spirit had never once wavered. Her strength had stayed unbroken, unshaken. Liveta touched the glass with her hand, pressing her palm to the surface. How had she lost sight of her will, her pride? Something within her over the past decade had changed. It had allowed her to stay silent as Govan too lost his way. She had agreed to be his balance, to keep him centered. Somewhere along the path, however, both of them had strayed.
Govan had slowly let go of the ideals he’d once exemplified. He used to believe in serving the clan first and foremost. Yet, the closer he became with Heigon, the more “serving the clan” meant obeying that man. Somehow, Govan had convinced himself that loyalty to Heigon’s authority was the same as protecting the people of the land. Liveta had blinded herself from his gradual transformation. Heigon had never been a truly effective leader; in fact, Liveta once fancied Govan a more practical choice for their clan. In spite of all the autocrat’s faults, in recent times Henron had been safe. Prosperity came in fits, but overall ordinary Henron could live without being threatened. With that, she never thought to confront Govan on his unbending fealty to Heigon.
This war with Sventa, however, proved pointless and dangerous. She always had her misgivings when Heigon announced the start of open combat. As the conflict progressed, she came to understand that the fighting would ruin the very same ones she had promised to shield. One way, somehow, Henron would be weakened, left harmed and vulnerable. Even if they won against Sventa, the human toll and economic fallout would plague them. The financial state of their clan had been in bad shape as they entered the war; the struggle would only exhaust their resources. The loss of life would have devastating consequences on all parts of Henron society as well. As the war prolonged, it would mean Henron’s suffering.
Heigon, however, had refused to change his course. Govan had followed without question. If it had not been for Losha, Liveta did not see how her own people could have stopped themselves. The Wolf changed the war; she was on the verge of single-handedly halting the entire Henron army. Had she not been captured, Losha would have forced Henron into peace. Wasn’t that why Liveta stopped fighting herself? Yes, she knew there was nothing honorable in the war, that she could no longer stand to see her clan abuse itself with pointless aggressions. She could no more be a part of that madness. She sighed and turned to the door of her room. It wasn’t too late though, not for her or Govan. They could still change and follow what they’d believed so long ago.
Liveta stepped out of her quarters and began walking down a hall. Within the same building, the main offices of Henron’s military resided one level down. Rounding about the staircase, she found a corridor full of open doors leading to various operational and planning areas. This early in the morning, only a handful of leftovers from the graveyard shift were on the floor, but activity gradually picked up. Pacing down this stretch, Liveta encountered a soldier carrying a number of paper sheets in one hand and a mug in the other.
“Good morning, Ver Liveta,” he said, saluting with the coffee.
“Good morning, Field Lead. How does it go today?”
The officer frowned for a bit. “Well, Core Lead... The loyalists have...”
“Sa. I know. Govan will be here today.”
The Field Lead’s eyes widened in surprise. “You already read the message from our advance sentries?” he asked. “But these only just came in...” He knotted his brow, looking down at the papers he held.
“I do not need to be told such things. That is how well I understand the Prime Lead.”
“Oh, sa. I see then.”
“Where are the rest of my Range Leads? Are any of them present?” she asked.
“No. I am afraid they have not woken yet.”
“Sa. That meeting last night would only have given them a few hours of rest. No matter. Field Lead, stop whatever it is you are working on and get my high officers over here. The dead can sleep, but we have jobs to do. Rouse the whole army while you are at it. Recruit anyone you can find to help you. Get us on alert, immediately.”
“Sa, Ver Liveta!”
The Field Lead rushed away, sipping his drink every now and then. Liveta then went into another room, a large conference chamber. Going to the middle, she cast a glance at a map of the Central Plains permanently affixed to the north wall. How many times had she and Govan used this very same place to plot attacks against other clans? Those had been troubling days when it seemed Henron was continually beset by enemies. Now she would be using it to put a stop to her dear friend. Henron had had its fill of war, both now and then. Losha was right; Henron needed peace. Not before long, several of her officers arrived. She did not wait for them all; she’d inform the rest as necessary.
“Welcome, everyone. I trust you slept well?” she asked.
“Not particularly, Core Lead.”
“I am up. I shall say that much.”
“I suppose... this is it?”
Liveta nodded. “Indeed. Govan is on his way, most likely as we speak. This is the day of our greatest challenge.” As she spoke, more Range Leads poured into her growing audience. “Today, we take a stand against the ways of the past. We defy our history so that a new one may be written. For too long have we followed the road of war. For too long we have spilled blood in the name of our own safety. Even so, one final fight remains for us. Henron is still shackled to the very ideas that almost lead us to ruin. As long as elements of the Heigon’s regime persist, we have no hope of changing this clan for the better.”
“We were once a people who proudly defended our brothers and sisters. Our army was meant to serve the interests of our fellow clan members. Recently, it has been ill-used in an attempt to gain land that was never ours, to wage war without just cause. We have forgotten who we are ultimately responsible for and accountable to: the common Henron. This battle decides whether or not we continue to pander to the interests of an autocracy that claims absolute authority, or devote ourselves to those we originally swore an oath.”
All of a sudden, a soldier burst into the room, panting and looking about wildly. He snapped a quick salute but went straight to the point. “Pardon the intrusion, but there is urgent news. Binfort is currently under attack! The size and enemy strength is unknown, but they have been confirmed to be Core Lead Lisk’s troops.”
“A pre-dawn assault, sa?” Liveta mused. “I predicted as much. Due to the reinforcements I ordered earlier, there are at least 150 squads stationed in Binfort. Until we can send backup, they should have enough units to hold their own. But with this assault, we have officially begun our fight with Prime Lead Govan and the main forces of the loyalists. My people, my friends, listen well. There is no more time for speeches. The field of battle awaits us all.”
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